Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would return to power with more than 200 seats in the ongoing Assembly elections. Addressing counting agents through video conferencing, she dismissed exit poll predictions and called them attempts to influence the stock market.

Banerjee claimed similar efforts were made during the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. She also accused Central Armed Police Forces of targeting TMC workers during polling and assured party workers that those affected would be recognised and rewarded in the future.

Her remarks came while repolling was underway in parts of South 24 Parganas district following complaints raised by BJP leaders. BJP’s West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya alleged that voters were stopped from supporting BJP candidates at several booths in Falta under the Diamond Harbour constituency during the second phase of polling.

According to officials, repolling was conducted at 15 polling booths, including 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four booths in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency. By 3 pm, voter turnout crossed 72 percent in both constituencies. Rapid Action Force personnel and micro-observers were deployed to ensure peaceful polling and prevent disturbances.

Meanwhile, several exit polls predicted a close contest between the BJP and the ruling TMC. Some surveys projected a BJP majority, while others showed the TMC retaining power. The previous two phases of polling recorded over 92 percent voter turnout across 142 constituencies. Counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections will take place on May 4 under tight security arrangements across the state.